Gridlock begins. Boehner joins filibuster fight against Democrats.

Evidently, nothing is going to get done in the next Congress, either. This is the next best thing to winning the election for the GOP. All they have to do is be uncooperative and they'll be able to shut the government down, which has been their main purpose all along.

1. The Republicans wouldn't survive

Boehner and McConnell led the GOP into a disastrous election that that they should have won - after all, we're still in a depression. They will soon be deposed, particularly if they double down on their losing bullshit.

2. In a way, I almost hope that they do.

The majority of voters have spoken, they want this country to move forward and get the stuff that needs to be done, done.

If the Republican leadership doubles down, digs in their heels and goes the route of intransigence, their losses in the nest mid-terms will be historic.

The current polling is stupendously against any deliberate attempt to shut down the government. If the Republicans in leadership go the obstructionist route, they will lose support of their own members as the voting public voices their anger at them.

Fear of losing their seat overcomes the fear of reprisal from a party already deeply engaged in schism, and is tilting toward a full-blown internal civil war.